Graduate Medical Education Fellowships Versus Specialty Society Curriculum: A Comparative Study on Alumni Outcomes and Academic Pursuits in Wilderness Medicine.

Abstract

Introduction-Wilderness medicine (WM) is a growing field offering advanced training and recognition through graduate medical education (GME) WM fellowships and the Fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) professional designation. GME fellowships, introduced in 2004, provide immersive, structured training and experiential learning opportunities. The FAWM designation, established in 2005, is earned through approved educational activities. This study compared alumni outcomes between these pathways.Methods-A cross-sectional survey was conducted among GME fellowship graduates and FAWM recipients. Inclusion criteria were GME fellowship alumni or individuals with FAWM recognition. Exclusion criteria included incomplete surveys. Respondents were surveyed on demographics, academic output, and satisfaction with their training. Data analysis included χ² tests for categorical data, analysis of variance for publication comparisons, and ordinal Likert scales for satisfaction.Results-Of 321 responses, 281 were included. GME alumni expressed greater satisfaction with mentorship and research opportunities; 95% of FAWM-only respondents reported exposure to career opportunities unknown prior to fellowship. There was no detectable difference (P=0.523) between FAWM-only respondents' number of WM-related publications. Overall, 93% of FAWM-only respondents and 76% of GME alumni would repeat their fellowship. Both groups demonstrated high proficiency in WM, with 89% feeling proficient.Conclusion-Both GME and FAWM pathways support WM education and career development. However, GME fellowships provide enhanced academic involvement, mentorship, and performance of relevant clinical skills. FAWM introduced new wilderness careers and had higher alumni satisfaction. These findings highlight the complementary roles of GME fellowships and FAWM recognition in advancing proficiency and professional growth.